Crapo picks up endorsement from Dirk Kempthorne

In a statement, Kempthorne, who also served as Senator, U.S. Interior secretary and Boise mayor, said Crapo has supported “common sense solutions to the critical issues we face as a nation” and has “tenaciously fought for conservative solutions that reflect the values of our state.”

Beyond the endorsement, the four-paragraph release is notable for using the word “conservative” five times, including three times in quotes, and listing the senator’s credentials with the NRA and the National Right to Life Committee. Crapo, who has no announced opponent, appears eager to fend off a potential challenge coming from the right, as U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson had in 2014.